Apax Partners is looking to sell HIT Ent.'s THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE franchise, reports Deadline.com. The private equity firm is looking to receive $467 million for the property. The most likely buyer would be Disney or an indie producer such as Fremantle. In 2005, Apax tried to sell the franchise to Disney, but the Mouse House balked on the $800 million price tag.

Currently, Cinetic and UTA are working on finding the funds for a THOMAS feature. The property brings in $100 million in revenue each year.